THE region's biggest police force has arrested six people over a series of armed robberies of security vans
The five men and one woman were seized by Northumbria officers investigating 'cash in transit' robberies in Newcastle and Gateshead that happened between October and December.
The men are aged 54, 46, 44, 43 and 37 and the woman is 43.
Detective Chief Inspector John Bent, of Northumbria Police's Major Crime Team, said: "Robberies of this type are rare however the police response has been significant given the serious nature of such crimes.
"Northumbria Police is working closely with the security industry to help prevent cash-in-transit robberies.
"Officers on patrol regularly follow security vans and escort them to their destination to make sure the vans are not an easy target for thieves."
Anyone with information about the culprits, or who witnesses a van being targeted, should call contact Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191.
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